中高等部 - 2014年 立志式校長式辞Secondary - Principal’s speech at the ceremony of Coming of Age Day January 31st , 2014

2014.01.31

Principal’s speech at the ceremony of Coming of Age Day January 31st , 2014

○ Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and students. Representing GKA Secondary School, I would like to deliver a ceremonial address for all the 8th graders that have reached Coming of Age Day today. Congratulations!

○ I found that the phrase of coming of age could be applied for meaning two different ages, the first, meaning the age of 20, for which we celebrate young people on a national holiday as you know. And the second, meaning the age of 15 as counted in the old manner of reckoning one’s age. We celebrate those who have reached this age in the form of Risshi-shiki just as we are doing today, by gathering here at the school gymnasium to celebrate all the 8th graders.

○ The phrase of Risshi consists of two Chinese characters, literally meaning to have a strong will or wish for the prospects for one’s future. It seems that more schools are introducing this traditional way of celebration on behalf of young people, which I find really significant. Before getting down to the point, I would like to refer to the historical background concerning this ceremonial event. I hear that young people at the age of around 13 in those old days were considered and expected to be old enough to be independent as a mature and responsible adult with a decisive will or dream for their future. It seems to me that this kind of expectation for them was rather tough, however, it’s amazing that those young people definitely made efforts to meet the expectations they faced.

○ On this occasion of celebrating our 8th graders for reaching Coming of Age Day, I would like to convey my messages to all of them that gather here today. I have two messages. One of them is that you should express your gratitude toward all the people that have contributed to your growth, toward people close to you including your family, particularly your parents. Without their efforts, understanding and assistance, it would have been extremely difficult for you to be the person you are today. Accordingly I do think that it is extremely meaningful that you should appreciate their commitment to you respectively because in your daily life it seems that you find it difficult to arrange an opportunity to deliberately show appreciation. However, today could be a very good chance for you to say “Thank you,” to people who are so close to you.

○ The second message is that you should possess a clear image of your future, in other words, you should have a dream or wish, and I could say that you should have a strong will or determination toward your own future. As you know, there seems to be more and more Japanese athletes leaving Japan and participating in fully global activities by joining teams or clubs of many different sports abroad.

○ A football player, Mr. Keisuke Honda is one of those many Japanese athletes doing their best to represent Japan outside of our country. On January 8th it was announced that Mr. Honda has joined the Italian giants AC Milan after having played for CSKA Moscow for three years. The No.10 shirt that he is wearing is considered to be very important and responsible for the team’s attacking style. It seems that he has been doing his best in countries so far away from home.

○ What amazed me most about this topic was that Mr. Honda himself appealed to the team’s authority for the No. 10 shirt. Needless to say, he has long awaited this chance since he was a kid. He never gave up, and must have made tremendous amounts of effort so that he could finally make his dream come true.

○ It is not an easy job to realize one’s own dream, particularly when your goal is very ambitious. However, without clearly seeing your target you would have no chance of hitting it. For example, when you desire to reach the top of Mt. Fuji, the first thing you have to do is make a plan to get there. Then you decide when you start, who you go with, and how you will climb the world famous and highest mountain in our country.

○ It may not be the case all the time that every dream successfully comes true. Some hardships might attack you on your way and prevent you from realizing your dream or force you to reset your goal. However, to look into your future by taking a positive attitude and continuing your efforts makes a big difference. The whole process of this, regardless of the result, becomes a precious experience and a priceless asset in your life. Why don’t you make up your own dream and make all the possible efforts to make it come true?

○ I would like to conclude my speech by wishing all the 8th graders good luck, good health and a bright future in the years to come. Thank you for your attention.